Alt Pop

“Talk Talk,” the new single from NYC-based outfit Miss Grit, was devised in an empty dorm room as frontwoman Margaret Sohn pined over the fatal idealism of modern romances, and this mis-en-scene that informs the track’s creation is immediately apparent in her powerful-yet-restrained vocal delivery. While the track is bolstered by analog synth arpeggios that crescendo at the chorus, the strength of “Talk Talk” is built upon Sohn’s halted lyricism, a performance that carries a palpable, visceral frustration at “the unrealistic view of love that society and movies ingrain into girls’ minds.” Sohn’s quiet-storm vox against cataclysmic synthesizers creates a soundscape that is both emotionally raw and dynamically energizing, a perfect blend of introspection and catharsis; here’s hoping the rest of Miss Grit’s forthcoming Talk Talk EP maintains the same balancing act.
Miss Grit’s debut extended play drops January 11th. Until then, stream their new single below.

In the the beginning of 2018, Dream-pop five-piece Barrie put out shimmering singles, “Canyons,” and “Tal Uno,” before releasing a 12” in October aptly titled Singles. The Brooklyn-based band hail from all over the country (and world), but have recently converged in New York to collaborate and write songs together. Their dreamy sound puts an ambient spin on retro synth pop, which makes for ultra gorgeous tracks that swirl in a neon glow. In 2019, they’ll be hitting the road in support of Miya Frolick in a US and Canada tour. Listen to "Michigan" below. Sara Nuta

Noel Heroux and Jessica Zambri, active in the NYC scene since the mid aughts, released music separately through Hooray for Earth (Noel's first breakout project, disbanded in 2014) and Zambri (the electronic band Jessica still plays in with sister Cristi Jo) and became the two creative forces behind Mass Gothic. The two musicians share an interest for dark atmospheres and edgy arrangements. They found themselves involved in a romantic relationship that soon developed in an involved artistic collaboration, which fully bloomed in Mass Gothic's sophomore album, entitled "I've Tortured You Long Enough," released earlier this year through Sub Pop records. Our sister blog Delicious Audio asked Noel to share some thoughts about the creative experience and the gear behind it, read his answers here. - Photo by Sammy Goldfien

It's the holidays, which means the release calendar has wound down and any shows you might want to see have something to do with either Christmas cheer or the bombastic observation of another passing year. That doesn't mean you shouldn't start filling your calendar with shows to see in 2019, though. Sludge pop masters Deezy and Alex of Sad Baxter will play Drkmttr Collective on January 13th, bringing their grunge-tinged sound to the all-ages DIY venue. Their latest EP So Happy showed up on Bandcamp's Best Albums of 2018 list, along releases by The Beths, Car Seat Headrest, Camp Cope, and Let's Eat Grandma. Plus, Nashville Scene handed Sad Baxter the Best Band of 2018 Award. Regardless of their winnings, Sad Baxter will play you their heavy tracks with the usual angst live at Drkmttr Collective on January 13th, so head down there and ring in -- belatedly -- a new year with them. Take a listen to So Happy below. - Will Sisskind

Sometimes, it's easy to be consumed by personal circumstances, to feel that your individual situations are unique. Hence, you justify insulating yourself, turning your back on the outside world, when that may be the remedy to breaking the cycle. The portal of connection that you forge with others, via empathy, is a vital component in establishing a sense of community. Thin Lips find a way to maneuver through personal trials and tribulations, exposing vulnerability and insecurities in an unflinching emotive fervor. Harnessing that raw force with a melodic, pop-punk orientation, the plots play out in heavy yet refined swells; controlled, explosive songs tear down self-imposed walls, revealing that we’re all in this together. Billowing with emotion, the quintet of State Champs rolls ahead in composed, impactful waves, setting the stage for the collective, anthemic outpouring of local legends The Starting Line this Saturday at Franklin Music Hall. – Michael Colavita